Products
Silver nitrate is available as a pure substance in pharmacies and drugstores. It is used as a medical device in the form of silver nitrate sticks.
Structure and properties
Silver nitrate (AgNO3, Mr = 169.9 g/mol) exists as colorless, translucent crystals or as a white, crystalline powder. It is odorless and very soluble in water. Silver nitrate should be stored away from light. It can be prepared with elemental silver and nitric acid. Ag+NO3–
Effects
Silver nitrate has antiseptic, astringent, denaturing, and corrosive properties. By locally destroying nerve endings, it can exert analgesic effects. With chloride ions, silver nitrate forms a white silver chloride precipitate because silver chloride is sparingly soluble in water. Therefore, sodium chloride solutions can be used to neutralize the drugs:
- AgNO3 + NaCl AgCl ↓ + NaNO3
Areas of application
- Possible uses of silver nitrate sticks include portio erosions, excess wound granulation, warts, aphthae, nosebleeds, hemorrhages, poorly granulating ulcers, rhagades, skin growths and pointed condylomas.
- Silver nitrate is contained in numerous medicines of alternative medicine. For this, the obsolete name Argentum nitricum is used.
- As a reagent, for example, for the detection of halides.
For chemical experiments:
- When a copper wire is immersed in a silver nitrate solution, elemental silver is deposited on its surface:
Cu (s) + 2 AgNO3 2 Ag (s) + Cu(NO3)2 The solution turns light blue due to the copper nitrate formed. See also under redox reactions. When silver nitrate is heated, elemental silver is formed because the silver nitrate decomposes to silver, oxygen, and nitrogen dioxide.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The pen is gently moistened with water before use.
Contraindications
For complete precautions, see the Instructions for Use.
Adverse effects
Pure silver nitrate may cause burns to the skin, mucous membranes, and eyes. It is very toxic to aquatic organisms. Silver nitrate has a fire-promoting effect as an oxidizing agent (cf. potassium nitrate). The information in the safety data sheet must be observed. Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions such as redness, inflammation and discoloration. Prolonged use leads to a gray discoloration of the skin (argyrie). Caution: silver nitrate causes persistent staining of clothing, surfaces and skin.
